Rule 77. Probate Courts and Registers

(a) Probate Courts Always Open. The Probate Courts shall be deemed always open for the purpose of filing any pleading or other proper paper, of issuing and returning mesne and final process, and of making and directing all interlocutory motions, orders, and rules. Filings outside of normal business hours and at places other than appropriate for the venue of the proceeding are governed by Rule 5.

(b) Trials and Hearings; Orders in Chambers. Rule 77(b) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in the Probate Courts.

(c) Register's Office. The register's office with the register or a deputy in attendance shall be open during such hours as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may designate, on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, and except such other days as the Chief Justice may designate.

(d) Notice of Orders or Judgments. Rule 77(d) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in the Probate Courts.

(e) Facsimile Signature of the Register. A facsimile signature of the register imprinted at the register's direction upon any summons, writ, subpoena, judgment, order, or notice, except executions, shall have the same validity as the register's signature.